Easel

Pastor got the boys an easel. They LOVE it! Avan will stand in front of the blackboard with his piece of chalk and swipe at it while saying "I, I, I, I . . ." Because he's drawing a bunch of Is.

Bed Upgrades

BEFORE Avan broke his collar bone, we had a few bed upgrades. Duane is now sleeping in the bottom bunk of a bunk bed. He seems to enjoy the extra space to stretch out during the night.
Avan WAS sleeping in Duane's old bed and was doing so well before he broke his collar bone. I tried to keep him in the habit of staying in his new bed, but he would get up in the middle of the night and come to stand by my bed. It was alarming to wake and find him staring at me! So I put him back in his crib for now. When his break has healed, I'll try the big boy bed again.

Broken

Avan has been our little adventurer. Not only did he swallow terpanoid a few months ago, a feat that resulted in an ambulance ride to the hospital, now he has broken his collar bone. I think he's acquired bad luck after breaking his grandma's mirror in Peru. We only have 6 years and 8 months more of this.

The poor little guy has adapted to his bandages really well, but keeps wiggling out of them. He will be this way for two more weeks until we go to see if the break has healed properly.

It's a Girl!

Well, the good news is in! I am going to have a girl! The only bad news is that the doctor and the ultrasound tech can't agree on a due date. My original date was Feb. 15, 2012, but the ultrasound tech said her measurements showed the due date would be more around Feb. 3. So, we should be having a baby girl in February sometime.

Sticky Fingers

This is a picture of the truck Duane claimed as his own in Peru. We were at the lumber yard while my mom asked for the wood to make the desks. The wood wasn't ready yet, but Duane did spot this little beauty. It belonged to the son of the guy who owned the lumber yard. When it was time to leave, Duane clutched the rough little toy to his chest and proclaimed it was his. We told him no and made him put it back on the table he'd taken it from, but the kind man said Duane could keep it. He mentioned that there were a few of the same kind of toy lingering around the shop and that he made them from scrap wood. I was grateful that he was so willing to be generous, but it didn't quite enforce the idea to Duane that he can't have whatever he wants when he wants it. I wanted to give them some of Duane's toys, but sadly, the opportunity never arose.

Another instance of Duane's sticky fingerness occurred when we were at the Iquitos zoo. It was hot and my mom had bought everyone popsicles. Duane ate his and we continued on down the path until we came to a beach by the lake. We were deliberating on whether we should have lunch at the zoo or go somewhere else when Duane ran up to a complete stranger and took his popsicle away. The guy, thankfully was nice about it even though a three year old had just jerked the treat away with warning or explanation.

This person was wearing a shirt the exact same colors Pastor was wearing that day and they were both wearing red hats. Duane had taken the popsicle thinking the man was Pastor and didn't stop long enough to notice it wasn't. We were a little horrified and apologized and my mom gave the guy a couple bucks. Hopefully he's all but forgotten the issue by now.

Peru

I suppose most people would say it's justified to feel a little afraid to meet your in-laws for the first time, but what if this event occurs nearly 4 years after you've married your spouse? Thanks to my mom, this idea became a reality. I have to admit that I was less than thrilled. I was so sure Pastor's family would see all my faults and every reason I'm not good enough to be his wife. I was so stressed that I lived in denial until the night before our flight and I thought it would be nice if we had something to wear when we got to Peru and packed.

The flight wasn't nearly as stressful as I'd heard and assumed. The boys heard the sound of a plane engine and zonked out most of the time. Duane had a hard time with the landings because his ears would hurt. Out of the six flights, he howled for five of the landings while people from neighboring rows would shoosh him and give Pastor and me dreadful looks as if we were beating him.

Pastor's parents were supposed to be waiting for us at the airport in Iquitos. I was relieved when they weren't there. I hadn't showered in nearly 72 hours and the humidity made my dirty clothes hang low and cling in a very unattractive way. I wanted to be fresh when I met his family and perhaps wearing at least a tid bit of eyeliner. My relief was short-lived. I forgot that Pastor's parents knew which hotel we were to stay in. They were there waiting for us and saw me in my unshowered state. Despite my disheveled appearance, Pastor's mom was quick to embrace me and kiss the kids. Pastor translated what she said when she spoke. (Did I mention I don't speak Spanish?) She was near tears and her voice broke as she explained that she'd been waiting for this day for a long time and she thanked my mom for bringing us all together.

Her emotions made me emotional and I promptly forgot how many hours it had been since I'd showered. A few visits to their home revealed that Pastor's mom was just as nervous to meet me as I was to meet her. On one particular visit, she admitted that she was embarrassed by her home and because they are so "poor." There are so many things I wanted to tell her then, but I couldn't get Pastor to translate more than three sentences at a time. (He was kind of popular) In my mind, I was thinking that money was the only thing they lacked. While in their home, I was amazed by their family unity, by their faith and their ability to express what they were thinking.

One the major things that struck me while in Iquitos was how united the families were. Everyday everyone did what it took to make the family survive. I'm sure there were the exceptions to this that I simply didn't see or meet, but it's amazing to me how confusing having a little extra money can really become if you let it. A lot of families had next to nothing and could smile and laugh and enjoy their families. Here in the states, I think sometimes people get confused by trying to get the latest high tech phone, or the coolest tv. It's nice to have nice things, but I remembered what the truly important things are when I saw how happy Pastor's family is without all the nice things.

I never thought I could learn to love anyone in such a short amount of time. Pastor's dad seemed to have a special bond with Duane. He would hold him for extended periods of time, sometimes in the midday heat. Daune would wrap his arms around papapayo's neck and hug his head. :) Pastor's mom spent hours teaching me to cook so I could "take care of her son," and his sisters were loving and accepted me readily. The boys were a bit more stubborn. Duane bit his cousin Alvin. :s They actually behaved pretty badly sometimes. They were travel worn and exhausted and not in the mood to make friends with strangers, but by the end of the trip, they were giving kisses as readily as a Peruvian child. (Kissing cheeks is a well practiced form of greeting)

I have to say that I fell in love with Peru almost equally as much as Pastor's family. The land is beautiful, as are the people. My mom let us tag along one day when she went to a school where she was donating some wood to build new desks for the children there. The kids were so energetic and excited to see her and their round, dark eyes could melt anyone's heart. :)

I was sad that we didn't get to go out on the river. The babies are just too young and there are too many mosquitoes. I so wanted to see a pink dolphin and I had my heart set on going to monkey island. In hindsight, it's probably a good thing we didn't do those things as it would have taken from family time.

There are a few bad habits I've acquired:

1) I now feel it's acceptable to eat off anyone's plate and have caught myself doing so a few times. Luckily I haven't done this to a stranger. haha

2) I relied on the motortaxis to lull my babies to sleep when they were restless. There aren't any motortaxis in Utah.

3) Shopping everyday. :D

I gained some good habits as well. Seeing Pastor in his hometown with his family was awe inspiring. I was amazed by his conduct and his ability to barter. Most street vendors, or any vendor for that matter, saw a white girl and assumed they could get ten times the worth of the item out of me, but Pastor would have none of it. He even threatened a man's livelihood when he tried to pull a fast one on my mom. (A guy who works for the Hope Alliance, the same foundation Pastor worked for before he came to the States and the same organization my mom was working with) You really have to be on your toes in Iquitos, especially if you're white. You stand out as an easy target.

Saying goodbye was painfully hard. I've never seen Pastor in such distress. :( He was reminded of his purpose of coming here to the States, which was to help his family. He is more dedicated to finishing school and I'm more dedicated to learning Espanol. I don't know when we'll be able to go back, finances won't allow for it for some time, but I'm already missing them terribly and counting the days.

Birthday Boy

We have very low key birthday for Duane because we're planning on celebrating when we go to Peru. We thought it would be nice to have Pastor's family share in this event as they haven't seen the babies before. All we did was take Duane to the dollar store and get him a few sand toys. We took a mini cake to the park and made sand castles with his new toys. He had a lot of fun and I think he actually preferred a small, family party.

I am so proud of my little man. I'm amazed by his ability to learn and grow every day. He's pretty obedient for a 3 year old and does everything he can to make his mommy and daddy happy. He's a wonderful example to his little brother and we couldn't have asked for a better little boy.

Easter Report--Birthday Preview

Duane went to a total of 2 Easter Egg Hunts. I'm elated that I have a child old enough to understand the entire idea of holidays. It will be even better when they're old enough to fully understand the meaning of the holiday. :)






While at my grandma's for the Easter luncheon and candy hording, we celebrated a little of Duane's b-day for those who wouldn't see him on the actual day. His grandma and gr. grandma gave him a kid's quad! Even better, it looks like McQueen from Cars. Avan also got a little push car so he wouldn't be left out. I'll tell you, these boys are very loved and VERY spoiled.

Love Hate

Today I have been thinking of the things that I have a love hate relationship with and decided to make a list of the things that crossed my mind today.

I have a love hate relationship with the way Avan constantly clings. He's going through the I love mommy and only mommy stage. It's impossible to get anything done when he insists I hold him all the time. On the same note, I could hold him all day. He's super cuddly and really would let me hold him all day.

I have a love hate relationship with Pastor working two jobs. I love money, but hate when he's gone. :(

I have a love hate relationship with airplanes. I love that they take you places you might not go if they weren't around, but hate the dread.

I have a love hate relationship with chocolate. This is self explanatory as I don't think I'm the only one. LOL

I have a love hate relationship with running. I love to run, it's very relaxing for me. I don't like the time it takes from my family and how sore I feel after a steep hill.

I have a love hate relationship with what comes out of a three year old's mouth. Duane says the cutest things I've ever heard, but I can't believe other things. :s

I have a love hate relationship with the age three in general. Duane can be such an angel!! He's such a handsome little man too and knows how to pull at my heart strings, but he can be such a naughty little dude. I'm still amazed at the trouble he can get into.

I have a love hate relationship with cameras. I love to take pics, but hate to be in them.

Do you have things that you love and hate at the same time?

Down

Do you ever have one of those days that turns into one of those weeks? Which, in turn, evolves into one of those months? Nothing is different. Have Pastor and I been fighting? No, he is as nice as ever. My children are beautiful and the sun is even out today. There is nothing to justify the perpetual sad I feel. Perhaps I need more B vitamins.

So sorry if I don't update like I should. I haven't been facebooking like I usually do either. I'm sure when we're able to enjoy the sunshine more, I will feel better. :)

One of the Best

I think I might make some people sick by how much I talk about my brother. I'm sorry if this is true and you are one of them. I can't help but be proud, so I was more than proud when we had the chance to greet him at the National Guard Base as he arrived home after serving in Afghanistan. I have never been to welcome a military member home and have to say that it was one of the best things I've ever done in my life. Being in a crowd who were all so proud of their father/mother, brother/sister, uncle/aunt ect. was amazing. The vibe and emotions when the soldiers come from the plane was indescribable and the deafening roar that ensued gave me goosebumps.

Of course seeing this . . .



And doing things like this . . .




Was great fun too!

I am so proud my boys have an example like my brother in their lives and I'm proud to brimming for the service he so selflessly renders. Like any perfect sister, I don't tell him enough. I love you Paulie Wog! :)

Wolves, Boys & Other Things That Might Kill Me

Most people who know me know that I LOVE a good book with magic, mayhem and mounds of love. This novel has zero hocus pocus but is so magically written that you wouldn't miss it. I found it to be very stirring and a joy to read. I started it this morning and finished it just now. That tells you how good it is!

I actually bought the book months ago, but haven't been in the right frame of mind to read. There are usually so many of my own stories spinning in my head that I can't keep another tamed. Luckily I had a brain fart today and needed the inspiration derived from its pages. :)

Carl's Jr.

Last week we went to Carl's Jr. for lunch. The place we ate had one of those little indoor playgrounds and I was bound not to let Duane play there because of how many older kids were already there. We sat in the main section of the place, but could see the play area through a large glass window. When our food came, Duane began insisting that he wanted to play. We told him to eat his food and we'd think about it. (Let's face it, that always means no).

Duane insisted and, finally, I told him. "You go play, but we're staying here to eat." I fully expected Duane to give in. Never, in a million years, would I have believed that he'd go on his own. He's the kind of kid that needs someone to sit and watch him play.

After I'd said that, he jumped off the booth and went, by himself, to play on the indoor playground. I was torn with pride and nostalgic longing. Here was my baby, deciding he didn't need his mom to go and play where big kids were. He wasn't intimidated and played happily for awhile before coming back and taking bite of his cheeseburger only to run back in.

Pastor and I were nervous parents and watched his every move. My plan backfired completely and I was reminded of how fleeting childhood/babyhood really is.

Perfect To Me

I know a man who supports me in everything I do. He is handsome and brave and sacrifices so much to make his family happy. He has always loved me for me and never tries to change anything. He understands when I have a bad day and does everything he can to help even though he works TWO jobs. He lets me grow and encourages me to work on my talents. I have grown into someone I'm proud of because he never discouraged me.

I am blessed to be wife to such a man and will be forever grateful of his loving acceptance of who I truly am. He is wonderful and I love him with all my heart and soul!

My Avan

I haven't been as dedicated to blogging since #2 came along and I feel my little Avan has been left out a little. I blogged every time Duane sneezed when he was a baby! Poor little #2 children . . .

I don't want to admit how fast Avan's growing. He's turned into quite the chunk and eats more than Duane does. He loves cars and books and to watch the credits after a movie is through. He loves pizza, but it makes his tummy hurt. His favorite food is chocolate.

One of the funniest things about him is that he's EXTREMELY jealous. If Pastor or Duane hug me, he comes over and gives them a whopping. It's so funny and I know I shouldn't laugh, but I can't help myself.

Avan ADORES Duane too. He follows him through the place trying to do what his big brother does. He's gotten pretty good at keeping up with him too! He runs on his little chubby legs and it makes me giggle. I love to see them playing and laughing together. I've never heard a better sound than my two boys laughing!

Our Avan is a dancer and boy does he have rhythm! He hears that beat and starts to bounce on his baby legs. It's amazing such a little thing can move that way, but he loves music and will dance to anything we've played for him.

One thing that isn't so . . . fantastic: Avan is a phone destroyer. I've been through two smart phones because of that kid! He puts everything he can in his mouth, including phones if he gets a hold of them. My smart phone(s) got water under the casing and slowly shut down afterward and couldn't be revived. :(

It's a good thing he's so cute . . .

It's probably cliche by now, but I love both of my boys and I will never tire of saying it! My little family is everything to me and I would do anything for them, even go through countless cell phones. :)

Happy Birthday Avan!

Avan's birthday party, which includes the cake I made! Can you tell I'm proud? I also made his pinata, but didn't get a good shot of it . . .






His birthday was before Christmas.

Christmas

These are the pics I managed to take over Christmas.




Duane and Avan's friends, Emma and Sammy.

Scary Eyes

Duane does this scary thing with his eyes. He started doing around Halloween. It's pretty funny but also creepy because it kind of looks like he's possessed or something. He first started doing it when he was embarrassed, but we made such a big deal that he does whenever he wants to make us laugh. It's funny/weird to see his eyes roll in the back of his head that way . . .

Watchin' A Movie

Duane and Avan love watching movies on cold mornings. They are so cute and usually don't fight for the space they want.

Valentine's

Give me an excuse to glue hearts together and I'm totally there! I love Valentine's day and I love making things that are cute and unique. The boys made some for their Mema too, but I didn't get a pic of them.




















































This is the lovely rose my sweet hubby bought me. There was chocolate too, but I ate it. =D





















And here is the sweetest Valentine ever enjoying the valentine he received from Kiara. :) He's such a ladies man . . . er, boy.